Name: Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 cup milk; 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, or 4 oz.); 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1 (.25 ounce) package instant yeast (or 2 1/4 teaspoons); 1/4 cup white sugar; Zest of 1 lemon; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 egg; 1/2 batch of Strawberry Compote (approximately 3/4 cup); 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional); 2 tablespoons softened butter; 4 oz cream cheese; 2 tablespoons strawberry compote; 1 1/2 to 2 cups powdered sugar (depending on sweetness preference); Heavy cream or milk as needed to thin icing

Soft, fluffy, and bursting with fruity sweetness, this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is my go-to when I want a breakfast that feels extra special. The blend of classic cinnamon roll dough with fresh strawberry compote and creamy frosting is pure magic.

In a clear glass baking dish, there are nine strawberry rolls arranged closely in a 3x3 grid. Each roll has several visible layers, with a soft light yellow dough base rolled around a bright red strawberry filling that creates a spiraled pattern. The rolls are generously covered with a smooth, glossy white glaze that fills the spaces between and gently drips down the sides. Fresh strawberry slices, showing their red flesh and green tops, are placed on some of the rolls, adding a pop of color and fresh texture. The baking dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the vibrant colors of the strawberry rolls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, every time I make these strawberry cinnamon rolls, they disappear in no time. There’s something so comforting about warm, homemade rolls filled with that vibrant strawberry filling and topped with dreamy cream cheese frosting.

Fluffy, tender dough: Perfectly soft rolls that practically melt in your mouth.
Sweet and tangy filling: The fresh strawberry compote brightens up the classic cinnamon roll.
Creamy frosting twist: Strawberry-infused cream cheese frosting adds a luscious finish.
Perfect for any occasion: Great for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet treat any time of day.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, make sure to gather fresh, quality ingredients—especially ripe strawberries for the compote and fresh lemon for zest if you can find it. These little details really make the difference in flavor!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of fresh milk, a small white ceramic bowl with softened golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine white all-purpose flour, one whole uncracked brown egg with a clean shell, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red strawberry compote, a small white ceramic bowl with warm brown ground cinnamon powder, a small white ceramic bowl of smooth white cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with fine white powdered sugar, a few bright fresh strawberries sliced in half, and a lemon with bright yellow zest, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Milk: Lukewarm milk helps activate the yeast without killing it, giving you that perfect soft dough.
Butter: Adds richness to the dough and frosting for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
All-purpose flour: The base for fluffy, structure-perfect rolls.
Instant yeast: Reliable and easy to use for a steady rise.
White sugar: Sweetens the dough and feeds the yeast for a good rise.
Lemon zest: Adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
Salt: Balances flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Egg: Helps bind the dough and gives a soft crumb.
Strawberry compote: The star of the show – fresh, sweet, and slightly tangy strawberry goodness.
Cinnamon (optional): For a warm spice note that pairs beautifully with strawberries.
Cream cheese: Creates a smooth, tangy frosting that complements the sweet rolls.
Powdered sugar: Sweetens the frosting to just the right consistency.
Heavy cream or milk: Used to thin the frosting to a perfect spreadable texture.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're craving a little extra warmth or want to keep it classic and simple, there’s plenty of room to make it truly your own.

Extra Cinnamon Twist: I love sprinkling an extra ½ teaspoon of cinnamon over the strawberry compote before rolling. It gives the rolls a cozy warmth that’s just irresistible, but feel free to skip this if you prefer a purer strawberry flavor.
Dairy-Free Delight: For those who avoid dairy, swapping the butter and cream cheese for plant-based alternatives works beautifully. Coconut cream cheese and vegan butter keep the rolls just as creamy and indulgent.
Seasonal Swaps: Out of strawberries? Try swapping the compote for blueberry or raspberry preserves for a fresh twist that still pairs perfectly with the cinnamon roll dough and frosting.
Brighten It Up: If you’re a fan of citrus, don’t skip the lemon zest in the dough—it adds a subtle brightness that balances the sweet strawberry and cinnamon flavors wonderfully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

A single cinnamon roll sits on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The roll has three visible layers: a light golden-brown dough layer at the base with a soft texture, a thin spiral of reddish-pink jelly filling in the middle, and a thick layer of pale pink creamy icing covering the top and sides, slightly dripping down. A silver fork with traces of icing is pulling a bite-sized piece from the roll on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Soften Butter and Warm the Milk

Start by heating ¾ cup of milk in a small saucepan just until it bubbles around the edges—no need to boil it. Remove from heat, then stir in ½ cup (4 oz.) of butter until melted. Let this mixture cool down to lukewarm. This step is crucial because if the liquid is too hot, it can kill the yeast. You’re aiming for a comfortable warmth that feels gentle to the touch.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine With Wet

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ¼ cups of flour, one package (0.25 oz) of instant yeast, ¼ cup sugar, ½ teaspoon salt, and the zest of 1 lemon. Add one egg, then pour in your lukewarm milk-butter mixture. Stir everything with a sturdy wooden spoon until it’s combined. Then, gradually stir in the remaining flour, about ½ cup at a time, to form a soft dough. This step can take a few minutes—don’t rush it, and make sure the dough comes together but isn’t too dry.

Step 3: Knead Until Smooth and Elastic

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and springy. When you press lightly with your finger, the dough should bounce back. Alternatively, you can use a dough hook on your stand mixer for this process—just knead until you achieve the same smooth texture. This helps develop the gluten needed for those fluffy rolls.

Step 4: Rest and Roll Out the Dough

Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest on your countertop for 10 minutes. Then, lightly flour your surface again and roll the dough into a 12x9-inch rectangle. Using your 9x13 baking dish as a guide helps you get the right size to fit the rolls perfectly later.

Step 5: Spread the Strawberry Filling

Spread about ¾ cup of your homemade strawberry compote evenly over the dough, right to the edges. If you want that cozy cinnamon flavor, sprinkle ½ teaspoon cinnamon over the compote before rolling. This step is where your rolls start to take on their signature sweet and fruity flavor!

Step 6: Slice, Roll, and Prepare to Rise

Using a pizza cutter or a sharp knife, slice the dough into 12 equal strips. Roll each strip up tightly and place the rolls seam side down in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Cover the pan and let the rolls rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 350°F (190°C).

Step 7: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake your cinnamon rolls for 25 minutes until they’re a beautiful golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they puff up and the tops have a light crust. Let them cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before frosting to avoid melting the frosting too quickly.

Step 8: Whip the Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting

Using an electric mixer, beat 2 tablespoons softened butter and 4 oz cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add 2 tablespoons strawberry compote, then gradually mix in 1 ½ to 2 cups powdered sugar until your frosting is silky and spreadable. Add a splash of heavy cream or milk if the icing feels too thick. This luscious frosting is the perfect finishing touch.

Step 9: Frost and Serve Warm

Spread the frosting generously over your warm rolls. For an extra Berrylicious touch, top with fresh strawberry slices. Serve immediately and enjoy that magical combination of soft, fluffy dough with sweet strawberry and creamy frosting. Perfect for a brunch centerpiece or a special breakfast treat!

Top Tip

Mastering Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe becomes so much easier with a few insider tips that will help your rolls turn out soft, flavorful, and beautifully baked every time — trust me, these little pointers have made all the difference in my kitchen.

Perfect Dough Temperature: Always make sure the milk and butter mixture is lukewarm before adding it to the yeast and flour mix. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cool and the dough won’t rise well.
Rolling Size Matters: Rolling the dough into a 12x9 inch rectangle using your 9x13 baking dish as a guide is a game changer. It ensures your rolls fit perfectly without crowding, allowing them to rise beautifully without sticking together.
Smoothing the Frosting: Whip your cream cheese and butter until perfectly smooth before adding the strawberry compote and powdered sugar. It leads to that luscious creamy frosting you’ll want to slather on every roll.
Don’t Skip the Rise: Letting the rolls rise until doubled in size (about 45 minutes in a warm spot) is crucial for that soft, fluffy texture — rushing this part is a mistake I’ve learnt to avoid.

How to Serve Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

The image shows twelve uncooked dough rolls with bright red jam spread inside the spirals, placed evenly in three rows inside a clear rectangular glass baking dish. Each roll has two visible layers: a light beige soft dough on the outside and a shiny red jam filling swirled inside. The rolls are arranged on a surface with a white marbled texture. The clear glass dish has simple handles on each side, showing the clean, smooth texture of the dough and the vivid contrast with the jam inside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh and inviting presentation, top your warm rolls with thinly sliced fresh strawberries and a light dusting of powdered sugar. A few fresh mint leaves can also add a lovely pop of color and a refreshing contrast to the sweet, creamy frosting.

Side Dishes

Pair your Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls with a light side to balance the sweetness. Fresh fruit salad, Greek yogurt with honey, or a crisp green salad with citrus vinaigrette make wonderful companions. For brunch, a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a mimosa will round out the experience deliciously.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them a little longer, the refrigerator will preserve their freshness for up to 4 days, just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze both unbaked and baked rolls. For unbaked, prepare and shape the rolls, then freeze them in the baking pan covered tightly with plastic wrap and foil. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, let rise until doubled, then bake as usual. For baked rolls, wrap them individually or as a batch in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your rolls in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. For a quick fix, you can microwave a single roll for 20-30 seconds. Add more frosting after reheating to revive that fresh-from-the-oven decadence.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen strawberries to make the strawberry compote?

Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great for the compote. Just thaw and drain any excess water before simmering them with sugar to get that thick, luscious filling.

Is it necessary to add lemon zest to the dough?

The lemon zest adds a bright, fresh note that complements the strawberry filling wonderfully, but it can be omitted if you don't have it on hand. The rolls will still taste delicious.

Can I make these rolls dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives, such as vegan butter and vegan cream cheese. The texture may vary slightly but they’ll still be delightful.

How do I know when the rolls have risen enough?

The rolls should roughly double in size and look puffy. A gentle poke on one roll should leave an indentation that slowly fills back in, indicating they’re ready for the oven.

Final Thoughts

Making these Strawberry Cinnamon Rolls Recipe is more than just baking — it’s about creating a moment of joy, filled with sweet aromas and the comforting warmth of homemade treats. Whether it’s a weekend brunch or a special breakfast surprise, these rolls bring a slice of happiness to your table. I hope you enjoy every soft, fruity, and creamy bite as much as I do!